[EmpireWF]

Boy did anyone realistically think this would happen, back before the division series'? The two teams that limped into the playoffs are now playing for the ultimate prize.

The Tigers will have had a week off before they play Game 1 tomorrow night. I doubt it effects them tremendously. They have the chance to set their rotation up any way they want against the Cardinals. Plus, they won't have to face Chris Carpenter or Jeff Suppan in Detroit. HUGE Advantage.

The Cardinals, I just can't see them making this a truly competitive series. Their offense is too hot and cold and with two guys in particular in Rolen and Edmonds (not to mention Encarnacion), the offense isn't that good. Yadier Molina had a tremendous NLCS and it should be interesting to see if he can continue hitting well. Can Pujols finally wake up? He was almost a non-factor against the Mets, he'll have to hit if the Cards want a chance.

BTW, the Tigers rotation is in this order: Justin Verlander, Kenny Rogers, Nate Robertson and Jeremy Bonderman.

My prediction: Tigers in 5 (I'll be nice)

[rmjvol]

Boy did anyone realistically think this would happen, back before the division series'? The two teams that limped into the playoffs are now playing for the ultimate prize.

I'm with you. I thought both these teams would get the boot quickly. Shows how much I know

Came across David's blog that also sounds surprised/let down at the matchup. But for different reasons.

[Lefty Noob]

Well both teams backed into the playoffs -- the Tigers getting swept by the Royals and forced into the Wild Card position, and the Cards nearly missing the playoffs altogether. So naturally those would be the two teams that wind up playing for the MLB championship, right? Personally, I definitely see the Tigers winning this one in convincing fashion. Perhaps even a sweep.

[MVB]

Nothing normal or expected has happened in this postseason, so I predict the Cards sweep the Tigers. This week may have cost the Tigers their momentum, causing them to lose the first two games in Detroit. The teams will head to St. Louis where the Cards take homefield advantage to the next level.

[EmpireWF]

Originally Posted by MVB

The teams will head to St. Louis where the Cards take homefield advantage to the next level.

I know you're not talking about the St. Louis crowds because they're as quiet as I've seen for a playoff crowd (not called Atlanta).

[MJHMarc]

I think Boston Red Sox crowds are more provocative and unfriendly than in Atlanta.

No offense to Simple Simon or anyone else, of course.

[firefrozen]

The cardinals have got no shot to win this. They faced a tough series in New York to get to the world series and the Tigers steamrolled Oakland. The tigers will win it in 5

[MJHMarc]

I have to agree with firefrozen on this one.

The Tigers have a much better pitching staff but the Cardinals might have the better offense, centered around Albert Pujols. If the Tigers are smart and pitch around Pujols and don't let him make contact the Tigers will be our new World Champions!

[desertrat]

I am going with the underdog St Louis Cardinals. There is something about this team that appeals to me. I also am a fan of the Tigers and the way they turned their fortunes around over the last 3 years. I don't see this as an easy win for the Tigers, the Cardinals have been here before and will be ready to step it up. I think Jim Edmonds will have a big series and Albert Pujols will just be himself!

[MVB]

Originally Posted by EmpireWF

I know you're not talking about the St. Louis crowds because they're as quiet as I've seen for a playoff crowd (not called Atlanta).

Yes but they all proudly wear their silly red gotees! I mean, that has to affect the game somehow...

[chsbletz]

I think the Tigers just have too much for the Cardinals, especially now with both Casey and Zumaya ready to play once again. Tigers in five.

[alv127]

If Kenny Rogers could beat the stuffing out of the All- star line-up, NY Yankees( who were projected to win the world series in a crushing sweep, by practicly everyone in the sports world). Then the Detoit Tigers can pulverise the Cardinals into the ground with the way he's pitching!

[EmpireWF]

Game 2 has turned into a sort of MUST WIN for the Tigers now. If they don't win, they'll go St. Louis down two games and will have to face Carpenter (in St. Louis) and Suppan.

So right now, the Tigers fate is on the shoulder of Kenny Rogers.

As a Mets fan...lol

[Lefty Noob]

Great game last night, wasn't it? Reyes was a surprise, that's for sure! Can Detroit rebound, or will St. Louis take a 2-0 lead in the Series? Make sure you pop over to the World Series Game 2: Cardinals vs. Tigers thread, and give us your predictions on tonight's game!

[firefrozen]

I didn't watch the whole game but the key to that series was displayed. If Pujols and Rolen are on the top of their game, then St. Louis will have a shot.